dw65

I plan on going to Giverny from Paris. Was thinking I would just take the train myself unless someone tells me that a tour is so much better. I had the thought that this way I could go at the time I want for as long or little as I want and maybe arrive in between the tours that seem to all leave at the same time in the morning or afternoon. In general, I am not a tour person. Has anyone done this and have any advice?

kja

It is extremely easy to visit Giverny on one's own, and as it you say, it gives you much more latitude in your timing.

Enjoy!

dw65

Thanks so much. I'm glad to hear it's easy. I'm going with my 10 year old son who is actually excited about it, but I think the flexibility will be much better for us.

Gina_07

I also suggest to go on your own. We went ourselves, took our time. Easy.

PatrickLondon

Check out some of the other recent threads on this. It's a nice walk there (or back).

The town of Vernon itself is not outstandingly pretty but the main street has plenty of opportunities for refreshment while you wait for a train back to Paris.

Cathinjoetown

You can avoid the ticket queue by pre-booking tickets:

http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/ticket/

Myer

Good idea to book ahead once we've selected our date.

regalada

We went late in the day a weekday in late May, arriving around 2pm into the train station, 2:30 or so at the gardens. Crowds were thinning out by then, we had some areas of the gardens all to ourselves as the afternoon headed into evening. Made our visit, with our 6 and 4 year olds, very pleasant.

dw65

I like the idea of going later in the day and am happy to hear that crowds thin out then. Nice to hear it's a pleasant trip with kids. I do already know the day I'll go so I will certainly book tickets now. Will be the first week of September. Thanks so much for all the replies.

milaedg

Here's the link to a recent discussion on how to get to Giverny Monet's Garden. We were there just over two weeks ago following "tessietoes" directions, except we took an even earlier train (7:20am) to Vernon, then took a taxi to Giverny. They open at 9:30am but if you pre-purchase your ticket (on-line), they let you in at 9am. Having the water lily pond to ourselves for a few minutes was wonderful and peaceful...

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...y-535956-2.cfm

wunderbar2

Agree with the above, very easy to get there on your own and no need for a tour IMO.